EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Stephon Marbury scored
31 points and Chris Carr tallied 11 of his career-high 24 in the
first quarter, when the New Jersey Nets raced to an 18-point
lead en route to a 106-87 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

Since joining the Nets 11 days ago, Marbury, who also dished out
12 assists and committed just one turnover, has led the Nets in
scoring in all six games he has played. He arrived from the
Minnesota Timberwolves along with Carr, who has 42 points in his
last two games after totaling just 25 in his first 12.

"Tonight we just made shots and that was the difference," said
Marbury, who was 10-of-18 from the field. "I came in and did
what I was supposed to as far as getting a rhythm. Now that
we're making shots, I think my assists will go up and my
turnovers will go down."

Marbury helped New Jersey avenge a 100-85 loss at Toronto six
days ago that marked Don Casey's debut as Nets coach. Casey,
who took over for the fired John Calipari, improved to 2-3.

Kerry Kittles scored eight of his 14 points during an 18-3 run
in the first quarter, helping the Nets open a 24-9 lead with
2:12 left. New Jersey led 32-14 at the end of the period and
never let its lead slip below 11 points.

John Wallace scored 19 points and Reggie Slater and Doug
Christie contributed 11 apiece for the Raptors, who had their
franchise-record five-game winning streak snapped.

"They were making their shots, something that is new to them,"
Raptors coach Butch Carter said. "It was probably my fault
tonight. We just played Jersey a week ago and they were going
through a great deal of turmoil. So tonight they were playing
with a great deal of pride."

Vince Carter, who entered the contest leading the Raptors and
all NBA rookies in scoring with 16.9 points per game, was held
to just 10 on 4-of-17 shooting.

"We got beat from start to finish," Vince Carter said. "They
got up early, which made it hard for us to hit shots and grab
rebounds. You have step up, you have to survive. We just have
to bounce back."

Carr, who had a 3-pointer and two foul shots in the outburst,
drilled two 3-pointers in the final 1:29 of the quarter to help
the Nets build their 18-point lead.

"The most important thing is that the team got a win," said
Carr. "Now we have to build on this. I was getting the open
spots and knocking my shots down. When you play with Stephon,
you have to make yourself available because he will find you.
Steph is pretty much the focal point of our offense."

"I always liked Chris Carr's game," said Nets forward Jayson
Williams. "I really don't know why he wasn't getting any time
over there (Minnesota). If we can have him come off the bench
and shoot like that, that would be unbelievable."

The Nets shot 52 percent (11-of-21) in the first quarter and
went 7-of-8 from the foul line while holding Toronto to just 20
percent (5-of-25).

Gill netted 12 points and Williams grabbed 15 rebounds for New
Jersey, which finished at 47 percent (39-of-83) from the field
and held a 49-41 advantage on the boards.

"I'm just glad the team came out with a lot of energy tonight,"
added Williams. "Guys are responding to coaching and are a lot
more relaxed."

A dunk by Tracy McGrady midway through the second quarter
brought the Raptors within 38-27, but Marbury nailed a 3-pointer
from the right sideline and fed Gill for a layup that pushed the
lead back to 43-27 with 5:29 left in the period.

The Nets maintained at least a 13-point advantage throughout the
second half and cruised to just their fifth win of the season.

McGrady scored 10 points and Wallace had seven rebounds for the
Raptors, who connected on 39 percent (32-of-83), including
3-of-11 from beyond the arc. The Nets were 5-of-15 from 3-point
range.